Best Eating in Buena Vista
For being such a small river town, Buena Vista does a fabulous job keeping folks well fed. There are a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner before and after rafting! Breakfast The Evergreen Café is a favorite among River Guides and locals alike. Its cozy atmosphere consists of a lot bright natural lighting, local art adorns the walls and a hodgepodge of colorfully decorated tables invite you to settle in for a delicious meal. If you make it there before 8:00 am they have an early bird special for $5! The Rooster’s Crow has perfected the art of country breakfast skillets. The portions are hearty and their quirky theme of rooster décor gives it a unique personality. Jan’s Restaurant is your classic diner experience. If you are hankering for French toast and eggs after your full day on the river, you’re in luck – they serve breakfast all day! Lunch If you join us on one of our many full day trips, you will get to enjoy the riverside dining at its best! We provide a deli sandwich spread with a variety of options including gluten free and vegan friendly sandwiches. If you aren’t joining us for lunch, but still craving deli sandwiches, Biggies Subs is your answer. Known for their extremely generous portions for fries, they have also perfected the art of deli sandwiches. Biggies exclusively features local meats and cheeses from Salida’s Scanga Meat Company. A more upscale option, House Rock Kitchen is perfect if you are craving a sit down dining experience on Main Street. They embody the farm to table concept, almost everything on their menu is local to the Buena Vista area. They are known around town for their mouthwatering bowls – a bed of greens topped with your choice of protein like house-braised beef brisket, grilled chicken, or even vegetarian friendly Indian curry. Dinner Our Arkansas River dinner float is by far the most unique and fun dinner option in town. We depart from our headquarters in Johnson Village and take on a gentle portion of the Arkansas River that features the best views of the collegiate peaks. After cruising for 3.5 miles, we eddy out at the delicious Riverside Grill known for their amazing fish tacos and specialty cocktails. Asian Palate is the answer if you find yourself craving sushi or Southeast Asian inspired dinners. The ambiance is very modern for Buena Vista with contemporary artwork decorating the walls and warm cozy lighting. In addition to their sushi, my favorites are their Thai and Indian curries – such a satisfying meal after a day on the water! Quincy’s steakhouse offers a fixed menu featuring Filet Mignon Sundays – Thursdays, Prime Rib or Slow Roast Sirloin Fridays – Saturdays, and a veggie lasagna option is available every day. Their dinner menu includes a baked potato and side salad so you certainly won’t go hungry! Happy Hour If you are looking for whiskey or a creative cocktail Deerhammer Distilling Company on Main Street is the place to go. This distillery has ample outside patio space, fire pits, and there is often live music featuring local artists on the weekends. Eddyline Brewery is so popular there are two locations! You can’t go wrong at either one if you’re seeking a friendly atmosphere and some beer and pizza.
Featured Recipe: Crispy Hot Wing Chickpea Crunchies
On the hunt for a satisfying salty snack to nibble on in between meals? These tasty crunchy bites are one of my favorites! Packed with protein and extremely easy to prepare these chickpeas will soon become a staple. I eat them straight out of the bag, sprinkled on my salads instead of croutons, or toss a few in my soup for a nice crunchy contrast. Ingredients: • 3 (14 ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed well and drained • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1½ teaspoons sea salt • 1 teaspoon black pepper • 1½ tablespoons onion powder • 2 teaspoons garlic powder • 1 teaspoon paprika • 2 teaspoons oregano • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1 teaspoon cumin Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 400˚. 2. Gently pat chickpeas dry using a towel. Some of the skins will shed, but there’s no need to worry – you won’t miss them! 3. Using a large bowl stir together the olive oil and spices. 4. Pour in the chickpeas and toss them in the bowl so they are evenly covered. 5. Transfers chickpeas onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, checking and stirring chickpeas every 10 minutes until they are golden and crunchy. 6. Once they are done, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They can be stored up to two weeks. << Back to best Colorado River rafting recipes
Father’s Day Fun!
[vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1519063843732{margin-bottom: -40px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1531247435677{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]This Father’s Day, give Dad the gift of adventure! In addition to offering the best whitewater rafting trips in the state of Colorado, did you know we also can help cross soaking in hot springs, zip lining, and horseback riding off Dad’s bucket list? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_columns=”true”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21656″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21654″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”21655″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1685051733395{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Whitewater Rafting! This one is an obvious favorite here at Wilderness Aware Rafting. Colorado’s Arkansas River is known around the world for offering some of the best whitewater fun. It’s also home of the gorgeous Browns Canyon National Monument. We offer trips for all levels and our proximity to Colorado Springs, Denver, and Summit County make this a great option to surprise Mom with. Cruising through rapids and taking in the beautiful rocky mountain scenery will make for an unforgettable Father’s Day gift! Soaking in the Natural Hot Springs After an energizing day on the river whitewater rafting, there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in the natural hot springs found in Buena Vista and Salida. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Cottonwood Hot Springs, and Salida Hot Springs are all a quick drive from our Buena Vista office. We offer discounted admission passes too so be sure to ask about those when you’re booking your whitewater rafting trip. Horseback Riding Spending time on a horse riding through mountain trails is a Colorado classic. There are a variety of options ranging from half day, full day, and sunset tours. At Wilderness Aware Rafting we offer a Paddle and Saddle package that is a family favorite sure to put a smile on Dad’s face this Father’s Day. Zip Lining If your family is looking to take on two of the most adrenaline inducing activities Colorado offers, we’ve got the package for you. You can pair your whitewater rafting adventure with a zip line tour on the top of the Rockies. This is truly the best way to enjoy views of beautiful Colorado mountains from every angle 😉 This Father’s Day, skip the brunch and do something different! Call us at 1-800-In A RAFT (1-800-462-7238) or book your Dad’s Colorado white water rafting adventure today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Featured Trip: The Arkansas River Dinner Float
Looking to sneak in a little time on the Arkansas River that anyone from your preschooler to Grandma can enjoy? Check out our exclusive Arkansas River Dinner Float Trip. Known among River Rats as the Milk Run, our Arkansas River Dinner Float Trip takes you on a mellow easygoing portion of the river. Showcasing some of the best views of Mt. Princeton and Yale, this trip features Colorado mountain scenery at its finest. This 3.5 mile trip is perfect for wrapping up a summer day or easing into whitewater rafting if you are new to the scene. With its laid back pace compared to some of the other sections of the Arkansas River, the Milk Run is extremely beginner friendly or perfectly suited for those who would rather take in the scenery than charge through adrenaline-inducing rapids. We mount the boats with oars so guides take care of all the paddling and you can focus on enjoying. The trip wraps up at the Riverside Bar & Grill, home to the best fish tacos and margaritas in Buena Vista. Relax as you leisurely enjoy dinner and the beautiful Sawatch Mountain Range views. This trip is unlike any other and sure to be one of the more memorable dinners on your vacation.
10 Things River Veterans Don’t Do
Whether this is your first time whitewater rafting (Woohoo!) or you are looking for some pro tips to improve your next trip, I consulted with some of our senior whitewater rafting guides to create a list of the top 10 mistakes we see on the river. In the world of skiing, a “Gaper” is someone who clearly is out of their element and stands out like a sore thumb. While there is no official term for such individuals on the river, the same concept applies. We can tell. It does not take much guesswork to discern those who know what they are doing from those who are still figuring things out… With this in mind, we went ahead and prepared a handy guide so you will be fully prepared for your next whitewater rafting adventure: 10 Things River Veterans Don’t Do 1. Wear Flip Flops The fast water flows that make whitewater rafting so much fun are also notorious for sweeping up flip flops. Currents are extremely strong requiring secure footwear. Most river guides wear sandals that fasten around their ankles like Chaco or Teva sandals. Their customizable fit ensures the river won’t snatch them off! 2. Wear Cotton Cotton is a bad idea when whitewater rafting because it takes too long to dry out after getting wet. Cotton loses its ability to insulate once wet meaning you will feel cold until your clothes completely dry out. Instead of cotton, choose something that wicks away water like wool or fleece. These options keep you warm even when soaked with water from the rapids. 3. Forget Sunscreen All of our whitewater rafting trips occur at high altitude causing the sun’s rays to be much stronger. At higher elevation, wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will protect your skin. For whitewater rafting, look for something waterproof that won’t smear away when splashed. Many brands offer sport-specific blends of sunscreen designed to withstand sweat and water contact. These tend to be creamier formulas too, meaning you’re less likely to get sunscreen in your eyes (an extremely important detail). 4. Get Dehydrated Another thing to watch for at high altitude is dehydration. Due to the reduced amount of oxygen in the air, dehydration sneaks up on visitors who are used to living closer to sea level. Aim to drink at least two liters of water per day and you’ll be fine. Aboard all of our rafts we provide water for guests so if you’re ever feeling thirsty – just let your guide know! 5. Litter One of our core values is preserving the environment and educating others on the value of living sustainably. Our guides are trained in the fundamentals of Leave No Trace ethics meaning we literally pack everything away and take it with us. The goal is to seem as if we were never there. The magic of the rivers we raft is in how pristine and gorgeous their surrounding habitats are. This is something the entire community appreciates which is why we feel it is our duty to protect and preserve them for future generations to enjoy. 6. Get Hangry Avoid the horrible irritability that stems from hunger by taking full advantage of all the food we provide! Start your day off with our complimentary continental breakfast to ensure your body has the right fuel for whitewater rafting. Paddling through rapids takes a lot of energy, burning over 300 calories per hour so eating a balanced meal beforehand and replacing calories throughout the day is essential for feeling your best on the water. All our full day trips include multi-course lunch spreads and are happy to accommodate special diets (gluten free, vegan, etc) so chances of incurring hangriness when rafting with us are pretty slim. 7. Lose their Sunglasses Whitewater rafting puts sunglasses in a high risk environment. Just like with flip flops, sunglasses are too easy to accidentally knock off and lose to the river’s current. Before becoming a professional in the world of whitewater rafting, I had no idea why people would expose their designer sunglasses or prescription eyewear to the possibility of getting lost in the river. I quickly learned this problem has an easy solution: glasses can be secured with “eyewear retainers”, essentially lanyard for sunglasses. They are a river necessity and can be purchased in our gift shop right before you hit the water. 8. Expect a Free Ride When whitewater rafting, prepare to put in some solid effort while paddling. The currents and rapids we take on are strong and guides are entirely relying on their crew – you – as the engine to power the raft through. Most trips have a mix of mellow stretches, ideal for admiring scenery and relaxing, and intense rapids requiring full steam ahead. Your guides will make it clear when the time for paddling occurs. As a member of a raft’s crew, it’s up to you to ensure your boat has the power to maneuver around and avoid obstacles like your guide intended. 9. Remove their PFDs Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are fitted to guests before arriving anywhere near the water, ensuring a safe snug fit. It might feel tight and awkward at first, but there is a good reason: In the case of falling overboard, the lapels of your PFD are what we’re relying on to pull you back in! The last thing anyone wants is to pull an empty PFD back into their boat. If the fit is unbearable, don’t be shy – any of our guides would be more than happy to adjust the fit for you (never do it yourself). 10. Have a Bad Attitude Rafting is literally all about going with the flow! Every stretch of river offers its own unique beauty in so many forms. There is always something gorgeous to admire and whitewater rafting is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty rivers offer. Whitewater rafting is also a ton of fun –
Featured Recipe: Decadent Dark Chocolate Energy Bars
We do our best to keep you from getting hungry with our complimentary continental breakfast, lunches on full day trips, and multi-course meals on overnights, but from time to time, you might get a little hungry. Here’s a snack that’s easy to tuck into your PFD and will keep you energized and sustained in between meals: Decadent Dark Chocolate Energy Bars Ingredients: – 1½ cups quick oats – ¼ tsp sea salt – 2 cups dried fruits * – ⅔ cup peanut butter ** – ¼ cup chia seeds – ¼ cup dark chocolate chips – ½ cup agave or honey Steps: 1. Line 13”x9” pan with parchment or wax paper and set aside 2. Combine oats, sea salt, dried fruits, and chia seeds in a large bowl 3. Stir in your peanut butter and agave syrup or honey; mixing until a sticky dough forms 4. Transfer to the prepared pan and press mixture into pan, distributing and spreading evenly. 5. Cover pan with another sheet of parchment or wax paper and freeze for at least one hour to set, then cut into twelve even rectangle-shaped bars using a sharp knife. Energy bars can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for several days, or frozen for up to a month. * Get creative here! Natural Foods stores, like the Lettuce Head in Buena Vista feature a variety of dried fruits. My favorite is a blend of blueberries, cranberries, and goji berries! ** Can be substituted with sunbutter or almond butter if allergic. Microwave your nut butter for 30 seconds if it is too difficult to stir from refrigeration. << Back to best Colorado River rafting recipes
Featured Stretch of River: Royal Gorge
Ask our guides what their favorite stretch of Class V rafting is along the Arkansas River and chances are they’ll say the Royal Gorge. Known for its iconic history and fast flows, whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge is a guaranteed fun time! Just an hour south of Colorado Springs you’ll find some the hottest action the Arkansas River has to offer. It’s a genuine toss up among whitewater aficionados over which section is better – The Royal Gorge or The Numbers. Personally, I find each one so unique that it’s impossible to decide. (If you’re finding yourself in a similar situation, check out our trip that features both: 2 Day Arkansas River Extreme) Our Royal Gorge trips start a bit differently than the other whitewater rafting trips we do on the Arkansas River. Rather than meeting in our Buena Vista office, you’ll meet up with your guides in nearby Cañon City. After gearing up, we put in just above the start of the Royal Gorge at Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The fun starts immediately with Sunshine Falls a splashy rapid requiring some technical paddling during high water conditions. Entering the Royal Gorge and looking up at the 1,250 foot granite cliffs showcases Colorado geology, history, and simply beauty at its finest. The layers of rock were carved away by the Arkansas River to create the Royal Gorge as we know it today over a period of 3 million years. A relic from Colorado’s Wild West Days, you’ll notice railroad tracks laid out in 1878. Originally built by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad company after two years of guerilla warfare against Santa Fe Railroads, these tracks are still in use today by the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. As we continue on just past Wall Slammer, a class V that gives me butterflies everytime we pass through, the 955 foot high suspension bridge towers above us. Built in 1929, the bridge held the world record for highest bridge until 2001. Looking up at this moment is always my favorite – it’s such a unique perspective. Very few of the Royal Gorge’s annual 500,000 visitors get the opportunity to enjoy their experience via raft! My favorite time of year to raft the Royal Gorge is early summer (May/June) because of all the secret waterfalls that reveal themselves after spring rains. The juxtaposition of jagged granite cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the waterfalls is absolutely breathtaking. Mid June – July brings high water rafting season making the rapids even more intense and then in August, things mellow out again returning to early summer flows.Regardless of when you visit, the Royal Gorge is also a popular spot for spotting mountain goats and bighorn sheep. I’ve had the best luck spotting them after Lion’s Head Rapid. If you got a taste of the Arkansas River and are craving a new flavor, I highly suggest checking out the Royal Gorge. It has a very unique feel and is a personal favorite. Check out all of the options for our Royal Gorge rafting adventures here!
Featured Recipe: Trail Mix
When backpacking along a portion of the Colorado Trail last summer I pretty much lived off this trail mix! With the perfect ratio of sweet to salty, this fun mix is a satisfying snack. Ingredients: ½ cup pretzels ½ cup m&ms ½ cup raw peanuts ½ cup dried raisins ½ cup raw pecans ½ cup raw cashews ¼ cup sunflower seeds ¼ cup pumpkin seeds ½ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup dried blueberries Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well. 2. Portion out servings and store in sealable baggies or mason jars. 3. Trail mix will keep 3-4 weeks. << Back to best Colorado River rafting recipes
Featured Post: Upper Colorado River
Lusting for some whitewater fun, but feeling a little intimidated by the class III-V rapids found on our Arkansas River options? No worries – our Upper Colorado River trips are the perfect solution! Featuring a handful of splashy class II rapids, unique pit stops for historical and natural landmarks, and an endless supply of gorgeous scenery, Little Gore Canyon along the Upper Colorado River is a family favorite. Just an hour’s drive south from Rocky Mountain National Park, this trip is a great option to tack onto your Colorado vacation adventure. What makes the Upper Colorado River so great? Family Friendly The Upper Colorado’s Little Gore Canyon is known among river rats for beginner-friendly, easy paddling. If you’re looking for a whitewater rafting adventure to accommodate both your 4 year old and Grandma, search no more – you found your trip. Little Gore Canyon provides the perfect balance of beautiful Colorado country scenery and fun class II rapids like “Eye of the Needle” and “Yarmony”. We offer a single day trip and a two day camping + rafting option. Since this stretch of water is so easygoing, we bring along inflatable kayaks (affectionately known as “duckies”) and invite guests to cruise independently alongside the raft. This is a unique experience from our other advanced whitewater trips and lets guests take full control of their adventure. If you’d rather chill and take in the sightseeing, that works too. Whatever the mood, the versatility of our Upper Colorado rafting trips can cater towards your preferences ensuring the experience of a lifetime. Location The Upper Colorado River is considered an “away river” for us, meaning we meet y’all at the put in with rafts, rental gear, and everything else rather than you coming to our headquarters in Buena Vista. If you’re in the Northern half of Colorado and want to go rafting, this trip is a very convenient option. Unique Features Our seasoned guides know the secret spots to eddy out and take in all of the resources along this section of the Colorado River. For example, you can pamper those paddling muscles with a soak in natural hot springs found alongside the river. Not too far from our put in, is an abandoned mining cabin. This well preserved historical landmark is a fascinating peek into Colorado’s early days and can only be accessed via raft. Another favorite pit stop is to view petrified dinosaur footprints. The short hike to this site provides a nice little break to stretch your legs and is very popular with kids. Wildlife + Scenery If you’ve been on one of our Browns Canyon National Monument or Royal Gorge whitewater rafting trips you’ll notice a big difference in terms of “paddler engagement” with this river. In other words, there is plenty of mellow downtime between rapids for appreciating the wildlife and scenery on the Upper Colorado River. This is perfect because Little Gore Canyon is a bald eagle hot spot – they love building their nests here. The dramatic canyon cliffs contrast with lush rolling hills and rural ranches providing an ample taste of Colorado’s natural beauty. If you’re on the hunt for a family friendly trip with a sprinkle of whitewater rapids to keep the adrenaline flowing and some bonus detours, look no further! Little Gore Canyon on the Upper Colorado River is calling your name – give us a ring at 1 800-IN-A RAFT (1-800-462-7238) or book here (link to trips) and make it happen!
Rio Marañon #10: Dams and Regrets
Mid-morning on New Year’s Day, we arrived at Amazon Cavern, which is reminiscent of Redwall Cavern in the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. It is a sandy-floored alcove big enough for a crowd of people to play Frisbee in, but the rock is igneous and dark, instead of the red sandstone of Redwall Cavern. The floor of the cavern was wet due to the fluctuation of the free-flowing Rio Marañon water levels. It was spectacular and humbling, dwarfing us with its gigantic proportions. It is also the site of another proposed dam. I found it beyond reason that anyone could look at this cavern and think only of submerging it underneath a reservoir. How could their senses be so deadened to the millennium of natural effort from flowing water and sand required to create this masterpiece? Building a dam here would be akin to giving a child a Rembrandt to paint over with finger paints.There is something special about being part of a living river ecosystem; something healing. But a river ecosystem isn’t just an emotionally nourishing place for people. It serves an important role in planetary health, as well. That role requires a flowing river that carries silt downstream to replenish jungle and marsh nutrients, supports fish populations and forests, and provides homes for thousands of interdependent species. Damming that flow causes huge environmental impacts. According to Sierrarios.org (2015), “In 2010 then-president Alan García signed a pact with Brazil to provide thousands of MW of hydropower for export, declaring the damming of the Marañon ‘in the national interest’.” Twenty dam projects, if constructed, will stop the effective flow of the Rio Marañon: “one hydro dam is planned after another for the entire length of the river in the Andes, leaving little or no free-flowing river” (Sierrarios.org, 2015). The sole purpose of this agreement is to provide hydropower; there is no benefit for residents along the river. Thousands of people will be displaced by the dams, and the ecosystems of the Amazon basin will be irreparably damaged. The Rio Marañon is the primary source by volume of the Amazon River. It nourishes the Amazon jungle; it is an artery of the largest rain forest in the world. The proposed dams will further impact the already beleaguered rain forest, altering world climate, food sources and biodiversity. There are important lessons that need to be learned from previous large dam projects around the world. The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China provides a stark example. After denying impacts from the dam for decades, “Chinese officials staged a sudden about-face, acknowledging for the first time that the massive hydroelectric dam, sandwiched between breathtaking cliffs on the Yangtze River in central China, may be triggering landslides, altering entire ecosystems and causing other serious environmental problems—and, by extension, endangering the millions who live in its shadow” (Hvistendahl, 2008). Besides repeated landslides, impacts include increases in waterborne disease, declines in biodiversity, and the serious possibility of major earthquakes along fault zones underneath the reservoir. In addition, “the dam further imperils delicate fish populations in the Yangtze” (Hvistendahl, 2008). The dam has even changed climate patterns: “When officials unveiled plans for the dam, they touted its ability to prevent floods downstream. Now, the dam seems to be causing the opposite problem, spurring drought in central and eastern China” (Hvistendahl, 2008). Then there is the intrinsic value of a place like the Rio Marañon, and an ethical choice about what we will leave for future generations. In the United States, 75,000 dams obstruct the flows of rivers. Glen Canyon dam on the Colorado River has sparked a great sense of loss among environmentalists and nature lovers, because it flooded one of the most spectacular and rare canyon systems in the desert southwest. Even former Bureau of Reclamation head Daniel P. Beard recently called the construction of Glen Canyon dam “an historic blunder of monumental proportions” (Trenbeath, 2015). Hetch Hetchy dam in California also flooded an irreplaceable treasure equal to the Yosemite Valley, a tragedy still being mourned a century later. Yet, government leaders in Peru and Brazil have never traveled along the Rio Marañon; they have no idea what a rare jewel they are about to destroy. And they do not understand how wide ranging the environmental repercussions caused by the dams will be to the Amazon basin. If they did, perhaps they would reconsider. How many more of earth’s spectacular places must fall before we decide to protect those that remain? There are so few left. At this point, it is up to the people of Peru and around the world to get the attention of the governments of Peru and Brazil, and show them what is at stake. SierraRios is working to raise awareness about the predicament of the river, and is working to unify the tribes and villagers along the river’s banks in outspoken opposition to these ill-conceived dams. We witnessed the empowerment of the people in Tupén Grande and Tutumberos, and by rafting with SierraRios we became part of the effort to continue spreading the word. There is much work still to be done. Although the Chadin II office is currently closed, there is every indication that it will reopen after the April election, and that development of the dams will continue. Hydropower projects have a limited lifespan, and there are other less environmentally destructive ways to generate electricity. But the impacts on the important ecosystem of the Rio Marañon will last forever. Peru has another alternative: The Rio Marañon can be protected as a Peruvian and worldwide treasure, generating ecotourism income for Peru, and preserving the environmental health of the Amazon basin for generations to come. To join the effort to save the Rio Marañon, or to visit the Rio Marañon yourself, contact SierraRios at www.sierrarios.org. Read more entries in our ten-part series about the Rio Marañon. References: Hvistendahl, Mara. March 25, 2008. China’s Three Gorges Dam: An Environmental Catastrophe? Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chinas-three-gorges-dam-disaster/
